I havent heard this sentiment in literature much, but i've witnessed insulated and exclusive sentiments w/r/t other art. For example, I was once told that not knowing some rare Broadway was uncultured of me. I'm thinking: - No, that is your culture. It is valid culture, but not the only culture. I watch films tackling other issues in other subsets of the population. Their issues may not be the mainstream issues, but that doesnt make it not part of culture.

This has nothing to do with books, or music, or art. It has to do with people who want to use beautiful art to create a wedge or power dynamic or culture dynamic rather than simply enjoy or learn from the art. And it is a dangerous behavior, because as soon as one brands others (mentally) as uncultured or of a lower class, it helps them justify unjust behaviors.

> choosing to see literature through the hateful lens of power dynamics robs you of the change to see this beauty.

I enjoy selected classics quite a bit, and I've studied them in depth. One of my favorite pieces is Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata, and I can talk about it in the context of evolution of sonata form.

I also know my Duke Ellington and my Joni Mitchell, my Stevie Wonder and my Beatles -- all of which are similarly regarded as unassailable classics within certain circles of devotees.

An appreciation for the classics is completely compatible with the conviction that they are not "timeless universals", but that every last one of them is a product of a specific time and place. And the clash between canons is in fact a disgusting political and cultural power struggle.

Surely there's some value in acknowledging the power dynamics inherent in any list of classics?

I happen to think that teaching the classics in most high schools is probably a mistake. An average teacher isn't going to do a very good job and you just end up with a bunch of kids that like reading a little bit less than they used to.